safety activities technology overview - nissan · safety activities technology overview nissan’s...

SAFETY ACTIVITIESTechnology Overview

N I S S A N ’ S A P P R O A C H T O S A F E T Y

2

Nissan has set the goal of halving the number of auto-mobile accident fatalities or serious injuries by developing safety technology based on real-world data

Nissan’s Safety Technology Development Concept Based on the concept of “Real World Safety,”

Nissan is working to create safer automobiles with

the goal of halving the number of automobile

accident fatalities or serious injuries involving its

vehicles by 2015 as compared to 1995. Already,

Nissan has made signifi cant progress – with oc-

cupant protection technologies such as SRS airbag

systems and Zone Body construction, hazard eva-

sion technologies such as ABS and VDC, and driv-

ing support technologies such as AFS – refl ected

in a 27% reduction in fatal and serious injuries

involving Nissan vehicles in 2004 compared to

1995. However, further work is needed to counter

an upward trend in the total number of accidents

and create a safer “automobile society.”Real World Safety: Nissan’s concept of analyzing the causes of actual accidents to develop and adopt

effective technologies to combat each problem.

*ABS: Anti-lock Braking System *VDC: Vehicle Dynamics Control

*AFS: Adaptive Front Lighting System

1.2

1.1

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04

’95 ’00 ’04 ’15

16

12

8

4

0

contentsSAFETY SHIELD

Nissan’s concept of “the vehicle that helps protect people.” 4

Helps the driver to maintain comfortable driving 6Helps the driver to recover from dangerous conditions

to safe driving 10

Helps minimize the damage when a collision is unavoidable 13

Improving the road-transport environment 17People-oriented activities

Nissan’s Approach to SafetyThe automobile represents a fun and conve-

nient form of mobility that can be operated

by an individual. At Nissan, we seek to make

vehicles that provide a rich and joyful driving

experience, while offering outstanding depend-

ability and safety to assure peace of mind. To

achieve a safer “automobile society,” we are not

only building safer vehicles, but also improving

the environment surrounding cars and their driv-

ers through ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems)

applications and enhancing people’s awareness

of safety issues through educational activities.

Vehicles

Individuals Society

Total number of accidents

Number of accidents causing fatal and serious injuries

Ratio of accidents causing fatal and serious injuries to total number of accidents

Source: Institute for Traffi c Accident Research and Data Analysis

(Involvement of Nissan Vehicles in Traffi c Accidents)

Index

Source: Institute for Traffi c Accident Research and Data Analysis

(Involvement of Nissan Vehicles in Traffi c Accidents)

50%

reduction

Virtually

zero

Number of fatal and serious injuries per 10,000 Nissan vehicles in Japanese market

3

Safety ActivitiesTechnology Overview

SAFETY SHIELDNissan’s concept of "the vehicle that helps

protect people."Various barriers around the vehicle help the driver and passengers avoid dangers from normal driving

conditions through post accident conditions.

Safety Technology Development ProcessInvestigation and verifi cation are essential for tech-

nological innovation. Nissan re-creates accidents

through simulation and experiments based on

analysis of accident data collected from around the

world. In this way, Nissan identifi es the issues and

develops new technologies while improving existing

safety technologies. This process is key to the con-

tinuous evolution of safety performance at Nissan.

Nissan noticed that analysis of actual accidents

revealed the primary human factor to be “recogni-

tion error.” This means that to reduce accidents we

must not stop at developing conventional safety

technology. A further step of technological innova-

tion is also necessary to support the human factors

that help maintain safe driving conditions.

Against this background, Nissan created the origi-

nal approach to safety technology development

called “Safety Shield.”

Analysis of human factors in accidents where a Nissan vehicle was the striking vehicle

Recognition error 74.4%

Judgement error 17.7%

Operation error 6.6% Other 1.2%

Source: Institute for Traffi c Accident Research and Data Analysis (2000)

Accident re-creation

• Simulation

• Crash test

Human research

• Driver behavior

• Injury mechanisms

Safety technology

development

Performance

verifi cation

Accident analysis

4

SAFETY SHIELDNissan’s concept of “the vehicle that helps protect people.”

In the area of safety technology, Nissan pursues innovation as part of its “Safety Shield” concept,

an advanced, proactive approach to safety issues based on the idea that cars should help protect

people. This approach provides various measures to help the driver and passengers better avoid

dangers in ways that are optimized to each of a wide range of circumstances that the vehicle may

be in, from “risk has not yet appeared” to “post-crash.”

Risk has not yet appeared• Distance Control Assist System

• Intelligent Cruise Control

with low-speed following capability

• Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

• Xenon Headlamps

• Around View Monitor

Risk has appeared• Lane Departure Warning

• Lane Departure Prevention

• 4 Wheel Active Steer

Crash may occur• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• Brake Assist

• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

Crash is unavoidable• Intelligent Brake Assist

• Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts

Crash• Zone Body construction

• SRS Airbag Systems

• Front-seat Active Head Restraints

Post crash• HELPNET (Emergency call service)

Helps the driver to maintain

comfortable driving

Helps the driver to recover

from dangerous conditions to

safe driving

Helps minimize the damage

when a collision is unavoidable

5


Recognizing that people are the key actors in the activity of driving, Nissan develops technology with

a view toward supporting the driver in control of the car. This means developing systems that provide

the driver with appropriate information in a timely fashion and respond to driver inputs according to

the driver's intentions. It also means development of vehicle systems that may intervene to help reduce

injuries and damage in case a crash becomes unavoidable. Based on this Safety Shield approach,

Nissan targets ongoing innovation toward the realization of a safer “automobile society.”

6

Indicator

Control switch

Brake actuator

Radar sensor with

main controller

Audible buzzer

Actuator

controller

(under development)

Helps the driver to maintain comfortable driving

Even when risk has not appeared, Nissan technologies make it easier for the driver to maintain safe driving conditions. Some of these innovations reduce the driver’s burden, while others enhance visibility and awareness of the immediate surroundings at night and when parking, for example.

Distance Control Assist System

Using a radar sensor installed in the front bumper,

this system helps drivers control the distance

between themselves and the vehicle in front. For

example, if the driver releases or is not pressing

the accelerator pedal, the system automatically

applies the brakes to help control the distance

from the vehicle in front. Or, if the preceding

vehicle slows down and the system determines

that braking is required, visual and aural indicators

prompt the driver to take action. The accelerator

pedal also lifts up to assist the driver in switching

to the brakes. These functions alleviate the burden

on the driver, particularly under traffi c conditions

that require frequent braking.

Accelerator pedal actuator

Too close to preceding vehicle

If the driver releases the accelerator, the system automatically

applies the brakes.*

* Brakes are applied automatically only when the driver is not pressing the accelerator.

Braking is required by driver (when preceding driver slows down, etc.)

Along with an audible warning and an indicator display, the accel-

erator pedal rises to assist the driver in switching to the brake pedal.

The Distance Control Assist System in operation

7


If there is a vehicle in the lane ahead, the system

uses data from a radar sensor installed in the front

bumper to control following distance appropriately

in accordance with the preset cruising speed

(about 40 to 100km/h). If there is no vehicle

ahead, the preset cruising speed is maintained.

The low-speed following mode operates at speeds

under about 40km/h to maintain an appropriate

following distance in congested traffi c, thereby

helping reduce the driver’s workload. The system

provides further convenience by switching

automatically between Intelligent Cruise Control

mode and low-speed following mode.

Intelligent Cruise Control with low-speed following capability

Indicator

Control switch

Brake actuator

Radar sensor with

main controller

Audible buzzer

Actuator

controller

Low-speed following capability

If the sensor detects a vehicle in the lane ahead and the driver

turns on the system while driving between about 10 and 40km/h,

this will maintain a following distance in accordance with vehicle

speed, up to about 40km/h.

※System operation is suspended when the lane ahead is clear.

If the preceding vehicle slows down, the system slows the car

and, when necessary, an audible warning and visual indica-

tion prompt the driver to perform braking. Below about 5km/h,

system operation is suspended and the audible warning and

visual indication prompt the driver to perform braking on his or

her own.

Maintains inter-vehicle distance

When inter-vehicle distance shortens, the system slows the vehicle and

informs the driver by sight and sound

Automatically switches between Intelligent Cruise Control mode

and low-speed following mode.

When using Intelligent Cruise Control to follow a vehicle, the

low-speed following mode activates automatically if vehicle

speed drops below about 35km/h.

During low-speed following, if speed rises above about 40km to

keep pace with a preceding vehicle, Intelligent Cruise Control

will take over if the driver has preset a cruise control speed.

When inter-vehicle distance shortens, the system slows the vehicle and

maintains an optimum distance appropriate to speed

When inter-vehicle distance lengthens, the system speeds up the vehicle and

maintains an optimum distance appropriate to speed

The Intelligent Cruise Control System with low-speed following capability in operation

8

Halogen headlamps

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)

Most pedestrian fatalities occur at night, so

improved visibility is vital to help avoid such

accidents. Nissan’s AFS automatically swivels the

angle of AFS lamps (located in the headlamps)

in the direction the vehicle is turning, based on

steering angle and vehicle speed, thereby helping

to reveal obstacles in the vehicle path.

Xenon headlamps

For improved visibility, Xenon headlamps produce

bright white light that is close to sunlight in color.

This powerful yet natural looking illumination

enhances confi dence for night driving safety.

Headlamp

Xenon headlamps

System confi guration

Effect of Adaptive Front Lighting System

Headlamp

CurveLighting pattern adjusts to

match the vehicle’s path through

a curve, thereby improving visi-

bility in the direction of travel.

AFS

IntersectionHelps illuminate the direction

of travel when turning, enabling

the driver to better detect

pedestrians or other obstacles

in the crosswalk.

AFS lamps do not operate when the vehicle is stopped.

Controller

DataVehicle speed

Steering angle

Headlamp status, etc.

Headlamp

Controller

DataVehicle speed

Steering angle

Headlamp

status, etc.

Controller

Data

Vehicle speed

Steering angle

Headlamp

status, etc.

Headlamp illumination comparison

Headlamp on Nissan Tiida

In the INFINITI M35/45

With AFS lamp off With AFS lamp on

In the INFINITI M35/45

Headlamp

In the Nissan Tiida

AFS

9


Monitor display

Around View Monitor

Images from front, side and rear cameras combine

to form an overhead view of the vehicle relative to

a parking space. A further evolution of Nissan's

industry-leading adoption of rear-view and side blind

spot monitor technologies, this delivers real-time

information on the vehicle’s periphery in an easy-to-

understand format.

Rear View Monitor

A dashboard monitor shows the area behind the

vehicle using a rear-mounted camera. This helps

makes parking easier and helps avoid collisions with

fi xed objects while backing.

Side View Monitor

For greater confi dence when pulling over and park-

ing, this shows the area ahead of the passenger

side mirror, using a camera mounted on the mirror

and a dashboard monitor. Infrared LED illumination

increases visibility at night.

(under development)

Camera Monitor display

Camera Monitor display

Monitor

Cameras

32

4

1

Blind spots cited by

customers in order of

frequency (Nissan data)

Blind spots cited by

customers in order of

frequency (Nissan data)

3 2

4

1

10

Helps the driver to recover from dangerous conditions to safe drivingWhen a risk appears, warnings and automatic countermeasures help the driver avoid it.

Using a front-mounted camera to detect lane

divider lines, this system warns the driver via

sound and an indicator display when the vehicle

is unintentionally drifting out of its lane. In 2004,

Nissan became the fi rst to adopt Lane Departure

Warning technology in passenger vehicles in

North America.

Operation is suspended if the appropriate turn

signal has been turned on.

Lane Departure Warning

In case of unintentional lane departure, this tech-

nology not only warns the driver via sound and an

indicator display, but also generates a turning force

to help the driver return the vehicle to its lane.

Lane Departure Prevention (under development)

Indicator

Audible buzzer

Switch

Camera

Indicator

Audible buzzer

Brake actuator

Camera

Warning

System control

Warning Warning

System controlSystem control

Lane marker detection

The Lane Departure Prevention System in operation

11


4 Wheel Active Steer

This technology controls the steering angle of

each wheel independently according to conditions.

For example, in case of high-speed avoidance

maneuvers, it helps improve stability and respon-

siveness, so the driver can better follow the intend-

ed path. At slower speeds, it adjusts the steering

gear ratio to make it easier to steer the vehicle

with less effort.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

An application of anti-lock braking system (ABS)

technology, EBD controls rear-wheel braking

based on detection of loss of traction at the front

and rear wheels when the brakes are applied.

By controlling distribution of braking force to the

front and rear wheels according to the passenger

and luggage load, EBD minimizes differences in

braking performance whether the vehicle load is

light or heavy.

(under development)

Steering angle sensor Controller

Actuator for front wheel

active steering

Actuator for rear wheel

active steering

Example of emergency maneuver in expressway driving

The driver can follow the intended line while maintaining vehicle stability

Target driving line

4 Wheel Active Steer vehicle(More responsive & stable)

Front-wheel steering vehicle

EBD effect

The 4 Wheel Active Steer System in operation

Driver only

Multiple occupants (with EBD)

Multiple occupants (without EBD)

Stopping distance

Rear braking force Front braking force

Rear braking force

(Increases)

Front braking force

(Unchanged)

Rear braking force

(Unchanged)

Front braking force

(Unchanged)

Braking begins

12

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS electronically controls hydraulic brake

pressure to prevent wheel lockup when braking

suddenly on wet, snowy or other low-traction

surfaces. This helps preserve vehicle stability and

steering control in emergency braking situations.

This system supports the driver by providing the

strong braking needed in emergency braking

situations but with less force on the brake pedal

than would ordinarily be necessary. Brake Assist

comes into action when the driver presses on

the brake pedal with force that exceeds a certain

threshold. While enjoying normal braking response

under normal driving conditions, the driver can

easily achieve powerful braking in emergencies

and effectively activate ABS, which can further

contribute to accident avoidance performance.

Nissan led the world in commercializing Brake

Assist technology since its introduction in 1997.

Adding to the functions of ABS and TCS (Traction

Control System), VDC automatically controls

brakes and engine output to help enhance

stability when sensors detect that the vehicle may

slip sideways, based on steering, braking and

accelerator pedal operation.

Brake Assist

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

With ABS

Braking action

Without ABS

With

Brake

Assist

Without

Brake

Assist

ABS range

With Brake Assist, less

brake pedal force is needed

to activate ABS.

Normal braking Emergency braking

Brake pedal force

with VDC

without VDC

ABS effect

Brake Assist effect

VDC effect

If it does appear likely a crash may occur, these systems help the driver to return the vehicle to safe conditions by assisting in braking and maintaining control of the vehicle.

Bra

kin

g f

orc

e

13


In cases where a crash cannot be avoided, additional Nissan technology helps reduce injuries and damage by activating the brakes, restraining passengers, and applying other measures.

Helps minimize the damage when a collision is unavoidable

Using a radar sensor, this system measures the

distance from a vehicle being followed and gives

an audible and visual warning if it determines that

the driver should take evasive measures to help

avoid a direct rear-end collision. In addition, if the

system judges that a collision remains unavoidable

even after driver action, brakes are applied to

slow the vehicle and help reduce injuries and

mitigate damage.

Intelligent Brake Assist

A motor tightens the front seatbelts if the

system determines that the driver is performing

emergency braking or if Intelligent Brake Assist is

activated. This helps keep the driver in a posture

conducive to performing evasive maneuvers. If a

collision cannot be avoided, this technology also

helps reduce occupant motion so airbags and

other safety measures can operate optimally.

Nissan holds the basic patent on this technology, but is

providing the license to other automakers to promote safer

vehicle performance.

Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts

Indicator

Control switch

Brake actuator

Audible

buzzer

Radar sensor with

main controller

Actuator

controller

The Intelligent Brake Assist System in operation

The Brake Assist with Preview System in operation

Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts confi guration

Buzzer prompts driver to act to help avoid rear-end collision

If emergency braking will be needed because of the

distance from the vehicle ahead, the system increases brake

responsiveness by reducing play in the brake system.

If danger remains, brakes activate to help reduce damage

Brake fl uid pressure

Elapsed time

Buzzer or other audible warning


Elapsed time


Elapsed time

Brake Assist (with preview function)

Braking action

Radar

sensor

Brake pedal

stroke sensor

Control unit Electronic

Control Unit

Motorized retractor

(with pre-tensioner

and load limiter)

Braking force

14

Zone Body construction

Nissan’s Zone Body combines impact-absorbing

structures (crushable zones) with a high-strength

cabin (occupant zone) to help protect occupants.

With the version of the Nissan March (Japan model

name) launched in 2002, Nissan introduced a more

advanced “crash-compatible” Zone Body that not

only enhances occupant protection of the host

vehicle, but also reduces “aggressiveness” to the

other vehicle involved in an accident. In case of

pedestrian involvement, energy-absorbing construc-

tion in areas of the vehicle’s hood, fenders and cowl

help mitigate head injuries, while energy-absorbing

material in the front bumper helps reduce impact to

the legs.

If a crash does occur, the Zone Body, SRS airbag systems and other measures help mitigate injury. After a crash, systems such as HELPNET can hasten assistance to diminish the danger of secondary damage.

Zone Body construction Compatibility body

Pedestrian injuries reduction body

Crushable zone (Tiida)

Occupant zone (Tiida)

Impact-absorbing fender

& hinge structure

Impact-absorbing cowl

structure

Impact-absorbing hood

structure

Impact-absorbing bumper

structure

Dash cross-member

Crushable zoneAbsorbs energy

of impact

Occupant zoneReinforced to protect

passengers

Crushable zoneAbsorbs energy

of impact

Triangular-shaped support structure

Straight shaped front side members

Large bumper reinforcement

Door waist beamTriangular-shaped support structure

Floorboard member

Tunnel member

Multi-frame structure

Energy of impact

LargerSmaller

Energy of impact

Larger Smaller

15


Movable barrier

Rollover courseCrash test area

Shoot-through pit

Control room

-5º course

0º course

5º course

180º course

165º course

150º course

135º course

120º course

105º course

90º course

Working

area

Static rollover test machine

Testing capabilities

Maximum collision speed

(vehicle mass)

Vehicle-to-vehicle, each vehicle:

120km/h (2,000 kg)

Single vehicle: 140km/h (3,000 kg)

80km/h (9000kg)

Collision angles

(vehicle-to-vehicle)

5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 ,75°

85~185° (5-degree pitch)

Vehicle-to-vehicle speed ratios 1:1.5 1:2 1:3

Barrier crash tests Movable barrier

Rollover tests 4 types:

Trip-over

Corkscrew

Ditch rollover

FMVSS 208 dolly rollover

These advanced facilities in Japan are used for

testing safety performance in vehicle-to-vehicle

crashes and occupant protection performance in

rollover accidents. The lab tests head-on collisions

at speeds of up to 120km/h for each vehicle, as

well as offset collisions at angles of between 185

and 85 degrees in 5-degree intervals. Based on

analysis of a vast number of accidents, this labora-

tory enables accident re-creation with a greater

degree of fi delity to the original circumstances.

Nissan Advanced Crash Laboratory

SRS* Airbag Systems

In addition to the SRS dual airbag system, Nissan

offers SRS side airbags for chest protection of

front seat occupants and SRS curtain airbags for

head protection of front- and rear-seat passengers

in case of side impact. Nissan was fi rst to install

a driver’s seat SRS airbag system as a standard

feature in Japan and has led the industry with

adoption of SRS curtain airbag systems, previously

considered a luxury car feature, even on small pas-

senger cars, such as the March, since 2002.

*SRS: Supplemental Restraint System

Exterior

Crash test area interior Vehicle-to-vehicle crash test

Facility diagram

SRS Airbag Systems in Nissan March

16

Emergency occurs

Help button pressed to report emergencyLocation and other data transmitted to HELPNET operation center auto-

matically

Call received by HELPNET operation centerContact police, ambulance or other emergency services according to

conditions based on location data and conversation with caller

Emergency services receive reportHELPNET operation center transmits information to emergency services

and then switches connection to enable direct conversation with repor-

ter of incident

Police and/or other emergency vehicle and/or tow truck is dispatched to scene

Helpnet reporting sequence

Front-seat Active Head Restraints operation

In case of injury, illness or other emergency on

the road, the driver simply presses a Help button

to connect to the HELPNET operation center

and automatically send navigation system data

pinpointing the vehicle’s location. No handset is

used, so the driver simply answers questions from

the HELPNET operator, who contacts emergency

services, as necessary.

*HELPNET is a trademark of Japan Mayday Service Co. , Ltd.

HELPNET (Emergency call service)

The Active Head Restraint instantly moves forward

to support the head and reduce sudden backward

movement in case the occupant’s vehicle is struck

from the rear. This is designed to help minimize

stress on the neck and thereby help mitigate the risk

of whiplash and related injuries. Since about half of

Japan’s traffi c accidents are rear-end collisions and

about 90% of those result in neck injuries, Nissan

is moving forward with the adoption of Active Head

Restraint systems in its vehicles.

Front-seat Active Head Restraints

Seatbelts

Seatbelts raise the effectiveness of SRS airbag

systems and other safety measures. In a frontal

collision, a pre-tensioner prepares for impact and a

load limiter reduces post-impact stress on the chest.

A two-stage load limiter matched to front-seat airbag

deployment and defl ation characteristics lowers the

belt load, while a lap belt pre-tensioner complements

the shoulder belt. These systems work with Nissan’s

Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts and other systems for

more effective passenger restraint optimized to

individual vehicle characteristics.

Load limiter mechanismPre-tensioner mechanism

Limits load on occupant's body

during rapid deceleration.

Takes up slack in seatbelt.

Seatbelt system with pre-tensioner and load limiter

Hastens restraint Reduces stress on chest

17


©2003-2005 ZENRIN CO., LTD All Rights Reserved. (Z06A-No.2285)

Improving the road-transport environment

ITS Project in Kanagawa Prefecture

In 2006, the ITS Project in Kanagawa Prefecture

was launched with the aim of reducing traffi c

accidents and traffi c congestion using advanced

communication technology through the application

of ITS concepts that regard people, roads and

vehicles as an integrated system. The project

focuses on reducing intersection accidents,

improving school zone safety, mitigating traffi c

congestion and presenting drivers with information

on the fastest routes. Nissan has made signifi cant

progress in enhancing safety based on vehicle

capabilities, including building more crashworthy

vehicles and the introduction of our CARWINGS

system, which helps predict traffi c congestion and

suggests optimal routes on the basis of historical

data together with realtime traffi c information from

VICS, the Vehicle Information and Communication

System. The ITS Project in Kanagawa Prefecture

takes the additional step of linking vehicles with

infrastructure that will enhance safety and mitigate

congestion by enabling communication of road-

traffi c conditions and alerting drivers to the

presence of other vehicles in the immediate vicinity.

After verifying the effectiveness of the ITS Project

in Kanagawa Prefecture, coverage is planned to

expand nationwide and, eventually, beyond Japan.

Pedestrain protection initiative

From December 2005 through March 2006 in

Yokohama City, Nissan and telecommunications

companies tested a new service designed to help

prevent accidents involving children at pedestrian

crossings. IC tags were distributed to children and

vehicles, and receivers were installed at crossings

with poor visibility and near public parks in the

experimental zone. Based on signals from the

respective IC tags, the system can tell when children

are near vehicles and warn drivers to proceed with

caution. Nissan is proceeding with this and further

initiatives aimed at reducing accidents involving

children and pedestrians.

Information system for reduction of intersection collisionsRoad-vehicle communication technology to warn drivers of accident risks at

dangerous intersections

Vehicle detector

Object blocking view

Roadside signal

Speeding information systemTells the driver to slow down if exceeding the speed limit in restricted areas

such as school zones.

School

School zone

PROBE-based Vehicle Routing SystemIndividual vehicles automatically transmit vehicle speed and other data,

which is used by the system to detect congestion, compute travel times and

offer routing information with greater accuracy than current systems.

Japan’s current VICS traffi c

information system

Traffi c information system using

PROBE

Amount of traffi c

information obtainable

Screen

Audio

Screen

Audio

Display image

Car approaching from your left

Car approaching from your left

Go slow

Display image

School ahead. Go slow

In addition to enhancing safety of the cars themselves, Nissan is applying ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) concepts and pursuing research to provide drivers with information about other vehicles and pedestrians beyond the range of sight. Examples are the ITS Project in Kanagawa Prefecture and the Nissan ASV-3.

Speeding information systemTells the driver to slow down if exceeding the speed limit in restricted areas

such as school zones.

IC signals picked up

from child and carInformation transmitted to

car’s information device

IC signal

receiver

Children nearby.

Please drive carefully.

Telematics service center• Position detection device

• Database

• Information analysis device

Signals analyzed

Position detection device

IC tag

IC tag

18

Nissan Safety Milestones

In 1996, Nissan announced an original program called Triple Safey. Together with progress in safety technology,

Nissan’s safety philosophy has since evolved with the concept of Real-world Safety and now Safety Shield.

Safety concepts Technologies for safety and peace of mind

~1995 • Nissan NRV-II vehicle

• Cornering lamps

• Rear center high-mounted stoplight

• ABS

• Auto-dimming rear view mirror

• Auto-dimming sideview mirrors

1996~2000 Triple Safety (’96~)Approach to safety technology based on dividing safety considerations into information

safety, control safety and impact safety.

• ABS fi rst installed as standard equipment (1996)• Zone Body construction

• Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags

• Long-life water repellent glass

• Xenon headlamps

• Rear View Monitor

• Collision detecting auto door lock release system

• Extendable sideview mirror

• Rear seatbelts with a Child Seat Locking Mechanism in

the Outboard Positions

2001~ Real World Safety (’02~)Development of safety technology based on analysis of real-world accident data

Safety Shield (’05~)“The vehicle that helps protect people” concept of having various barriers around

the vehicle help the driver and passengers avoid dangers from normal driving

conditions through post accident conditions.

• Lane-keeping Support System

• Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental

air bags

• HELPNET (Emergency call service)

• Side View Monitor

• Front-seat Active Head Restraint fi rst installed as standard equipment (2002)• SRS curtain airbag system installation (2002)• Slide-away brake pedal assembly and energy-

absorbing pad

The ASV-3, Nissan’s third-generation Advanced

Safety Vehicle, aims to help reduce accidents

by using vehicle-to-vehicle communications

and Nissan’s human-machine-interface (HMI).

The ASV-3 participated in trials sponsored by

Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and

Transport promoting research & development and

popularization of automotive safety technologies.

The system indicates the vehicle’s position based

on vehicle-to-vehicle communication and supports

the driver with icon indication and audio alert

in each of fi ve scenarios, including accidents

at junctions with poor visibility and collisions

with oncoming vehicles when turning across a

traffi c lane. Feedback from these tests will be

incorporated in future Nissan vehicles.

Nissan ASV-3

If an approaching vehicle poses a danger, its color changes from blue to yellow

on the display. Simultaneously, an icon appears and an audio alert is sounded.

Accidents at junction with poor visibility

Monitor display

Monitor display

and audio alert

Technologies featured in the Nissan ASV-3

19


Educational activities

• Side door guard beams

• Driver’s seat SRS airbag system

• Front-passenger’s seat SRS airbag system

• Seat belts with pre-tensioners

• Energy-absorbing steering column

• Driver's side SRS airbag system fi rst installed as standard equipment (1995)

• SRS dual airbag system fi rst installed as standard equipment (1995)

• Award for traffi c safety activities received from Japanese government (1968)

• First “Hello Safety Campaign” (1972)

• Enhanced and expanded yearly “Hello Safety Campaign” (1990)

• “Nissan Driving Park” safe driving course held in 5 prefectures of Japan (1991)

• Donation of 40,000 copies of seatbelt wearing promotion leafl et to Traffi c Safety Association branches

throughout Japan (1995)

• Seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters

• Brake Assist

• Vehicle Dynamic Control

• Front-seat SRS side airbags

• Titanium clear sideview mirror

• 3-point ELR rear seatbelts

• Electronic Brake force Distribution

• Front-seat Active Head Restraints

• Cruise Control

• Ichiro Nissan safety pamphlet (1996)

• Nissan Driving Park permanent exhibition (1998)

• Nissan Driving Park with child seat program (1999)

• Child seat popularization program video (2000)

• Quest for Safety program (N. America, 1998)

• Pedestrian injuries reduction body

• Adaptive Front Lighting System

• Intelligent Brake Assist

• Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts

• Compatibility body

• Intelligent Cruise Control with low-speed following

capability

• Lane Departure Warning (N. America)

• Began traffi c safety activities aimed at aged people as part of 32nd “Hello Safety Campaign” (2003)

• Began local grassroots movement linked to traffi c safety public policy as part of 33rd “Hello Safety

Campaign” (2004)

• Produced and distributed picture book aimed at aged people and grandchildren

• Donated educational picture books and refl ective straps to 28th Traffi c Safety Fair

(sponsored by Prime Minister’s Offi ce)

• Award for traffi c safety activities received from Japanese government (2005)

• 34th “Hello Safety Campaign” (2005)

*Safety educational program shown at planetariums in 10 prefectures with worst traffi c fatality rates

(as of end of June 2006)

• Snug Kids program, industry fi rst (N. America, 2002)

Since 1972, the Nissan Hello Safety Campaign

has distributed safety education books to children

in nursery schools and kindergartens, and provided

videos for group screenings in Japan. In 2005

Nissan expanded the program to citizens aged

65 and over. Since 1998, Nissan North America

has provided the Quest for Safety program, a free

educational seminar to enhance the safety of

children in vehicles by informing caregivers of the

importance of child seats and other safety matters.

In addition, the Nissan Snug Kids program pres-

ents information to help choose child seats. These

ongoing programs are intended as a response to

the fact that, in the USA, traffi c accidents are one

of the leading causes of child mortality and about

80% of child seats are used incorrectly.

Safety promotion efforts

Nissan approaches safety not only from the standpoint of vehicle safety and the traffi c environment, but also from the standpoint of the individual, through educational activities and driver training.

People-oriented activities

Traffi c safety picture

books

Sponsorship of

planetarium screening of

educational programs

Traffi c safety classroom

on the Internet

Educational programs on

traffi c safety

Distribution of refl ective

safety straps

safety activities technology overview - nissan · safety activities technology overview nissan’s...

Documents